‘Played with a third of an ACL’: Matt Lodge to make NRL return after long journey back from ACL surgery

Matt Lodge will make his NRL return this weekend eight months after he suffered an ACL tear that left his career in limbo, but he’s fit and firing and eager to join a Manly pack that has exceeded expectations this season.

The 28-year-old was in no doubt he would be back this season and is grateful for the faith the Sea Eagles showed in him after they assured him there was a spot for him in the squad following his injury just three games into his Manly career.

Now at his fifth club, Lodge is ready to rip in against the Titans having always pencilled in round 7 as the date he would make his return from a serious knee injury.

Lodge suffered a partial tear of his ACL in 2020 but last year was the first time he actually had to have it properly treated.

“I’ve never had surgery. I’ve probably played with a third of an ACL for the past five years and I’ve managed to get through it. It finally gave way, so it’s good to have it fixed up,” he said.

“I’m probably grateful that it held up for so long, but it’s good to fix it.

“I’ve been training pretty hard and testing it out. We’ve done full-contact sessions, so I’ve been running against the NRL (team).

“I was always going to come back this week. I was probably going to come off the bench and do a bit of time, but with how it’s worked with us losing a couple of front-rowers, Seibs asked if I can start the game for him.

“I’m comfortable doing that because I’ve done it since I was 18.”

While Lodge is back on deck, Josh Schuster remains on personal leave after the club told him he was free to leave.

The enigmatic back-rower has all the talent in the world but hasn’t been able to show it consistently enough at NRL level, with the Sea Eagles telling him he’s able to negotiate with rivals.

It’s a tough time for a young man who has had to deal with a lot off the field, and veteran teammate Aaron Woods says the time off will serve him well.

“I sent him a text to see how he’s going, and he’s going well,” he said.

“He’s got a bit of time off because he’s got a few issues he needs to sort out, not just in footy but other issues in general.

“Where he’s at with the club, I have no idea.

“(It’s good) for him to refresh and reset the mind to get yourself going ahead because sometimes you might plateau.”